Player News

The Associated Press reports free-agent DE Grant Wistrom (Seahawks) is leaving the National Football League to become the assistant coach of his hometown high school in southwest Missouri, Parkview High School. Wistrom hasn't officially retired from the NFL, but said Monday, April 16, he is "99.9 percent sure" he won't be playing in 2007.

PRNewswire.com reports Seattle Seahawks DE Grant Wistrom will wear a helmet specially designed by Schutt Sports in the Super Bowl. Designed with insights from an ongoing, NFL-sponsored study that is providing new information about mild traumatic brain injuries, the Schutt DNA helmet exclusively features military-developed technology: new-to-the-game SKYDEX technology developed for Army paratrooper helmets and Navy SEAL boats. The Schutt DNA's spherical shell is designed to make for a more glancing blow, particularly on helmet-to-helmet contact. "Concussions have made guys more aware. Any advancement in helmet technology and guys are more excited," Wistrom said. "Some players will ask, 'Why do you wear that?,' and I tell them to put it on. Then they get it."

Seahawks.com reports Seattle Seahawks DE Bryce Fisher, fresh off a career-high 8.5 sack performance in 2004 with the St. Louis Rams, rejoins former Rams teammate DE Grant Wistrom in anchoring the left and right defensive end spots for the Seahawks. "I played behind (Wistrom) for two years in St. Louis, and he taught me a lot of good stuff," said Fisher. "When it came time for me to step in and be the starter, I just tried to continue the things he had done, because he was an icon in St. Louis. And we're trying to do some things here to get to that status in Seattle."

Seahawks.com reports Seattle Seahawks DE Grant Wistrom is excited about the upcoming 2005 season and the offseason changes to the team. "Ever since the season ended last year I've been looking forward to stepping back onto the field," said Wistrom, who missed most of 2004 with a knee injury. "I'm excited about the changes made, we've brought in a lot of good guys, and I think we're going to put a much better product on the field this year." Following two minicamps, Wistrom added that he is feeling healthy. "I feel as good as I've felt in a long, long time," he said.

Mike Sando, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reports Seattle Seahawks DE Grant Wistrom (knee) spent the offseason rehabbing his knee injury on the beaches of Maui. Wistrom said he felt good as he left the practice field Monday, May 2. Wistrom missed seven games last season after suffering a fractured left knee. Wistrom said his knee has felt right only in recent months.

Seattle Seahawks DL Grant Wistrom has been selected as one of the recipients for the second annual JB Awards, reports Panthers.com. Players on each NFL team nominated one of their teammates to be considered for the Byron "Whizzer" White Humanitarian Award, and James Brown of FOX Sports has chosen nine of those 32 nominees to receive a JB Award, which recognizes and honors NFL players for their dedication to build better families and stronger communities.

Seattle Seahawks DE Grant Wistrom (knee) missed practice Tuesday, Jan. 4, and is not expected to play in the NFC Wild Card game versus the St. Louis Rams Saturday, Jan. 8. Wistrom is officially listed as doubtful this week.

Seattle Seahawks DL Grant Wistrom believes his team need to starting having more fun during practice and on gameday in order to reverse their recent inconsistent play. "I think the main thing we need to do, and coach Rhodes touched on it, is we have to start having fun," said Wistrom. "Guys are coming to work, I think, and just getting through it. You have to come here and enjoy being here and enjoy your teammates. When you go out on Sunday you have to go out there and have an attitude that you're going to make plays and celebrate together and enjoy a victory together." The Seahawks are just 3-5 since a 3-0 start to the season.

Seattle Seahawks DL Grant Wistrom (knee) still believes there is a chance he could play in Week 10, reports Seahawks.com. "I'm going to have to feel good, and right now I feel pretty darn good," said Wistrom. "Hopefully it will just keep getting better and better every day." Wistrom is officially listed as doubtful.